Millions of American school-aged children have experienced one form of trauma or another, whether it be abuse, neglect, or trauma. It is important for teachers to have resources that will help to create healing learning environments that meet the unique needs of these vulnerable children. Anyone who works with children who have experienced trauma may benefit from gaining insights into how trauma affects the brain.
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children using:
Empowering Principles to address physical needs
Connecting Principles for attachment needs
Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors.
The intervention itself is based on years of research, however, connection is at the core of TBRI.
TBRI: Animate Video
TBRI: Animate Video
This short video (just over 3 minutes!) gives a broad overview of how trauma affects the brain and alters the ability for children to learn and develop in optimal ways.
Because fearful children are unable to learn, educators must be keenly aware of fear responses and how to disarm them. This chapter, available for free download, from The Connected Child (Purvis, Cross & Sunshine, 2007) provides insight about how to address-fear driven behaviors that may occur in the classroom.
Podcast Episode: Intergenerational and Transgenerational Trauma and the 5 B's
Podcast Episode: Intergenerational and Transgenerational Trauma and the 5 B's
Katie began her career as a middle school teacher in New York, and eventually learned about TBRI through the KPICD online course, TBRI and Trauma-Informed Classrooms. She began using TBRI principles and strategies in her classroom, focussing on connection and felt-safety, and marveled at the changes she saw with her students as they became more confident self-regulators, communicators, and learners. While earning her master’s, Katie’s research focus was Intergenerational and Transgenerational Trauma and how they impact the 5 B’s in TBRI, which is the focus of this conversation.
TBRI in Secondary Classrooms
TBRI in Secondary Classrooms
TBRI principles are a way to help children and teens who have experienced trauma and attachment issues. They can be applied in different settings, including middle and high school classrooms.
TBRI principles are a way to help children and teens who have experienced trauma and attachment issues. They can be applied in different settings, including middle and high school classrooms.
Here are some tips on how to use TBRI principles with older students
Here are some tips on how to use TBRI principles with older students
Use Connecting Principles to build trust and rapport with your students.
Show them that you care about them as individuals, not just as learners.
Use eye contact, respectful tone, and appropriate touch (such as a high-five or a pat on the shoulder) to communicate warmth and acceptance. Be mindful of your own emotions and triggers, and stay calm and present during stressful situations. Try to understand the needs and feelings behind your students’ behaviors, and respond with empathy and flexibility.
Use Empowering Principles to meet your students’ physical and environmental needs. Make sure they have access to water, snacks, and breaks throughout the day. Create a safe and comfortable classroom space that minimizes distractions and sensory overload. Provide choices and options for your students to have some control over their learning. Use routines and transitions to help them anticipate and prepare for changes.
Use Correcting Principles to shape your students’ beliefs and behaviors in a positive and effective way. Use an authoritative voice that balances structure and nurture, and avoid using harsh, shaming, or weak language. Use the IDEAL response model to correct your students: Immediate, Direct, Efficient, Action-based, and Leveled at the behavior, not the child. Use natural and logical consequences that are related to the behavior, and always offer a chance for redemption and restoration. Praise your students for their efforts and achievements, and help them develop a growth mindset.
For more information and resources on how to use TBRI principles with middle and high school students, you can check out these links:
Understanding TBRI® Connecting Principles Plus Tips for Connecting With Teens
TBRI® Correcting Principles: Understanding The IDEAL Response
Trust Based Relational Interventions (TBRI)
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